Code of Conduct

The Berlin Youth Soccer Association (BYSA) has been formed to instill in the youth of Berlin the principles of good citizenship, good sportsmanship, and teamwork through the knowledge of and participation in the competitive sport of soccer. Our players, parents, opponents, coaches, and officials are to be treated with respect at all times. Following the lead of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association, there shall be a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for misconduct or violent/dangerous actions by players, parents, coaches, referees or any other BYSA members.

To ensure that the principles of good citizenship, sportsmanship, and mutual respect among players, parents, coaches, referees and other BYSA members, this Code of Conduct has been established by BYSA. It is the obligation of all BYSA members, coaches, parents, and players, to create and maintain an environment that promotes these principles. We all must remember that our actions are a reflection of both BYSA and our community. Those who violate this Code of Conduct could jeopardize their opportunity to participate in the BYSA program.

Coaches:

The role of coaches is one of teaching citizenship, sportsmanship and soccer skills to the players. The coaches are also responsible for monitoring their own behavior and the behavior of their players and parents during all practices and games. By submitting their application to be a coach, that individual agrees to abide by this Code of Conduct, and acknowledges that participating in the BYSA youth soccer program is a privilege and not a right. To meet these responsibilities, the Coaches are expected to:

1. Adhere to the policies and procedures of BYSA.

2. Instruct player and parents in the law of the game and motivate each player to compete according to the laws at all times.

3. Show respect and courtesy to game officials at all times. Refrain from questioning their decisions or challenging their authority.

4. Ensure that parents/spectators of his/her team exhibit good sportsmanship at all times, and assist game officials in maintaining control of parents/spectators during games.

5. Abstain from using abusive or profane language and avoid conduct that could be insulting, degrading, or humiliating.

6. Teach and practice good sportsmanship and fair play by personally demonstrating commitment to these principles.

7. Treat players, parents, opponents, coaches, and officials with respect.

Parents and Spectators:

The Code of Conduct is to help parents understand their responsibility to support the players and coach and the behaviors that are expected of them. By registering your child to play with BYSA, all parents and any spectators you bring agree to this Code of Conduct, and will abide by it and acknowledge that participating or watching the BYSA youth soccer program is a privilege and not a right. Every parent and spectator is expected to:

1. Show respect and courtesy to game officials, coaches, players and spectators at all times. Encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support and respect for all players, coaches, and officials.

2. Respect the game officials and refrain from questioning their decisions or challenging their authority.

3. Know and respect the laws of the game.

4. Refrain from coaching from the sidelines. Spectators’ instructions often run counter to coaches’ instructions and undermine players’ communication with the coach and each other.

5. Cheer for your child's team in a positive manner, refraining from making negative or abusive remarks about any player, the opposing team or other spectators. Avoid actions, language, and/or gestures that may be interpreted as hostile or humiliating.

6. Treat players, parents, opponents, coaches, and officials with respect.

7. Pick up your child on-time from games and practices

Players:

This Code of Conduct is to help players be responsible and develop good sportsmanship habits. By registering to play with BYSA, the player agrees to this Code of Conduct, and will abide by it and acknowledge that participating in the BYSA youth soccer program is a privilege and not a right. Every player is expected to:

1. Learn and respect the laws of the game, and abide by them at all times.

2. Show respect and courtesy to coaches by following their instructions and directions.

3. Respect the officials and refrain from addressing them or commenting on their decisions during or after the game.

4. Respect the coaches and players of the opposing team and display sportsmanship at the conclusion of a game.

5. Maintain control of his/her emotions, avoiding the use of abusive or profane language, taunting or humiliating remarks, and/or gestures and physical assault upon any another player at any time.

6. Treat players, parents, opponents, coaches, and officials with respect.

7. Wear the proper uniform and equipment to all games and practices as directed by the coach. Wear proper shin guards and footwear and bring plenty to drink. For safety reasons no jewelry of any kind is allowed including earrings, rubber bracelets, etc.

Enforcement:

Any BYSA coach, player, parent/guardian, or spectator violating this Code of Conduct may face disciplinary action up to and including a permanent ban from all BYSA activities. All violations of this Code of Conduct shall be reported to the BYSA President. Any violations of this Code of Conduct may result in immediate action up to and including immediate removal/suspension from ALL BYSA activities by the BYSA President until the BYSA Disciplinary Committee can meet. All disciplinary cases will be handled via the disciplinary procedures established by BYSA. Any questions shall be referred to the BYSA President.

BYSA members, coaches, referees, parents, and players shall signify their acceptance of this Code of Conduct by signing and returning the signature page prior to participation their first BYSA practice or game of a given season. I the undersigned have read and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct and the enforcement procedure outlined and have explained this to my child.